James Madison Crew. Membership Handbook. Prepared by the James Madison Crew Booster Organization, Inc. (JMCBO) Updated September 2016

Transcription

1 James Madison Crew Membership Handbook Prepared by the James Madison Crew Booster Organization, Inc. (JMCBO) Updated September 2016 James Madison Crew Boosters Organization, P.O. Box 1657, Vienna, VA

2 Table of Contents SECTION 1 BACKGROUND... 3 SECTION 2 THE ORGANIZATION... 3 Mission... 3 Elements Which Make Up a Successful Crew Organization... 3 Communications and Contacts... 5 SECTION 3 THE PROGRAM... 5 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association... 5 Crew Season... 5 Winter and Off-Season Conditioning... 5 Water Practice... 6 Attendance Policy: In Season Practice... 6 Spring Break... 6 Freshman Water Time Policy... 7 Progression of Crews... 7 The Lightweight Rower... 8 Boat Selection... 8 Equipment... 8 Safety... 8 Transportation... 8 Regattas... 9 Racing Attire... 9 The Cheering Section JMBCO Shuttle Bus Checklist for Rowers Lettering SECTION 4 THE STUDENT ATHLETE S RESPONSIBILITIES Rowers and Coxswains Responsiblities/Contract SECTION 6 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Membership Required Forms Dues and Fundraising Requirements Bus Transportation to Practice Fundraising How Fundraising is Earned Dues and Fundraising Deadlines Refund Policy JMCBO Volunteer Service Requirements Parent Volunteer Service Committee Jobs All-hands Volunteer Events Regatta Volunteers Boat Naming Policy Information Available on the Web Traditional Calendar

3 SECTION 1 BACKGROUND The James Madison Crew Team put its first boat in the water in Since that time, the team has won a number of state championships and national medals. Our successful program has launched alumni into rowing and coxing with national and college teams. Rowing provides our student athletes with numerous benefits. Beyond the satisfaction of athletic accomplishment and the substantial physical fitness inherent in crew s total body workout, rowing provides incalculable emotional and psychological benefits. The student athlete develops a remarkable capacity for strenuous and demanding work and an enthusiasm for taking on even the toughest challenges. Rowing demonstrates the value of hard work, discipline and dedication. The commitment, dedication to excellence, selflessness and sacrifice that rowing requires are lessons that James Madison Rowers and Coxswains will carry within themselves well beyond high school. The crew program is managed and run at the direction of the Board of Directors of James Madison Crew Boosters Organization (JMCBO). Crew is an approved Fairfax County Sport, though it is a club sport, which means it is financially self-supporting, funded entirely through member dues and fundraising. Members of the Crew Team are eligible to earn Varsity Letters. Madison s home rowing facility is at Sandy Run Regional Park on the Occoquan River. Madison rows local regattas and typically sends most boats to the Stotesbury Cup in Philadelphia and qualified boats to National Championships and other away regattas at the discretion of the board and coaches. A rower/coxswain does not have to be an accomplished athlete to join the Madison Crew Team, but he or she must be dedicated and committed to personal achievement and team effort. Crew is one of the most engrossing, physically and mentally demanding sports currently practiced in the United States. US Rowing, the national sponsoring organization for rowing as a competitive amateur sport, has provided the following insights and points that are particular to crew: 1. Rowing is a total body workout. Rowing may appear like an upper body sport, but that is a mistaken perception. Although upper body strength is important, the strength of the rowing stroke comes from the legs. Rowing is one of the few athletic activities that involve all of the body s major muscle groups. It is a great aerobic workout, in the same vein as cross-country skiing, and is a low-impact sport on the joints. 2. Rowers are probably the world s best athletes. When it is done well, rowing looks graceful, elegant, and sometimes effortless. Don t be fooled! Rowers haven t been called the world s most physically fit athletes for nothing. The sport demands endurance, strength, balance, mental discipline, and an ability to continue on when your body is demanding that you stop. 3. Teamwork is number one. Rowing is not a great sport for athletes looking for most valuable player status. It is, however, the best teacher for teamwork. The athlete trying to stand out in an eight will only make the boat slower. The crew made up of individuals willing to sacrifice their personal goals for the team will stand on the medal podium together. Winning teammates successfully match their desire, talent, and blade work with one another. SECTION 2 THE ORGANIZATION Mission To encourage, maintain, and further the participation of parents, teachers, and adults of the community in active support of scholastic rowing at James Madison High School. Elements That Make Up a Successful Crew Organization: The James Madison Crew Booster Organization (JMCBO): The James Madison Crew Booster Organization (JMCBO) Board works with the school and parents to support the Madison crew program. Parents of student-athletes (current and alumni) are elected or appointed to the Board in accordance with the bylaws of the organization. Student team captains are also members of the Board of Directors. The Principal, Director of Student Activities, and the Faculty Liaison of James Madison High School are also non-voting ex officio members of the Board. Board members are typically elected in June 3

4 for one-year terms. The boats, oars, ergometers and other equipment are purchased by JMCBO, and these capital requirements as well as operating expenses, including coaches contracts and transportation fees, are paid through club dues and through fundraising. As a club sport, the team receives no financial support from Fairfax County. A list of JMCBO Board members and their contact information can be found on in the members-only section. The Board meets once a month (typically the second Tuesday of each month) and all meetings are open, unless otherwise noted in advance of the meeting. All parents and athletes are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Board meeting dates, times, and locations are posted on the website calendar. A copy of the JMCBO s by-laws and minutes of the board meetings may be found on the website ( on the members-only portion of the site. JMHS Crew Volunteers: Madison Crew is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Each family is expected to contribute its time and talents in some way to provide the best experience for our rowing community. Here is a summary of the parent volunteer commitments for each Madison Crew family: Active participation in at least one of four committees. These committees include Fundraising, Operations, Communications and Hospitality. Active participation represents a minimum of 10 hours of service annually toward the goals of a committee as determined by the respective chairpersons. In addition to active participation in a JMCBO committee, each family fulfills the following volunteer responsibilities: Two days of bus chaperoning (round-trip) during water practice (Feb.-May) to Sandy Run Regional Park on the Occoquan River. This job runs from approximately 3:00pm -7:30 pm on selected days. Two Regatta/Sandy Run jobs. These are volunteer jobs assigned to Madison by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA). These jobs vary in time commitment from 3-8 hours and are typically on Saturdays during home regattas at Sandy Run Regional Park. Two all-day volunteers (typically parent and rower) to support Mulch Delivery Day in March. Mulch Day typically begins at 7am and typically ends by 4pm. Coaching Staff: The program is fortunate to have dedicated, experienced, and involved individuals on our coaching staff. Coaching positions are determined by the number of active rowers, to ensure maximum attention and safety. Coaches names and biographies are listed on the team website. Coaches contracts are paid for by the JMCBO. James Madison High School: Like all other sports programs, the Madison Crew program operates within a school approved structure because it is on the school's behalf that the athletes row. James Madison High School Crew members are Madison students, wear Madison uniforms, win for Madison, and seek Madison Varsity letters. The Principal and Activities Director play key roles in supporting the sport. The Activities Director maintains communications and coordination with all other schools that Madison crew competes against and also monitors the academic and medical eligibility of students participating in crew. Crew is an approved Fairfax County Sport, though it is a club sport, which means it is financially self-supporting. JMCBO Crew Council: The Crew Council consists of a small group of JMCBO parent representatives who work with coaches, rowers, parents, and the Board to develop policy and address questions and concerns raised by parents or rowers that may come up during the course of a season. All questions or concerns brought to the Crew Council must be done in writing. In addition, any person(s) submitting an item to the Crew Council for consideration must wait 24 hours after a question or concern has arisen before submitting the question or concern. Thereafter, a member of the Crew Council will respond promptly. Current members of the Crew Council are listed on the members-only portion of the website. The Rowers/Coxswains: Rowing is a demanding sport, and like most sports, demands a day-in, day-out commitment to practice and improvement. With regular practice and conditioning, virtually every student can develop his or her physical ability to the point where he or she can row competitively. Crew is a team sport, where successful boats succeed as a result of each rower playing his or her role. Mutual support and encouragement is vital to a team s success and team members who are successful demonstrate a positive attitude toward the program, the sport, and toward their fellow rowers. 4

5 Rowing makes an unusually high demand of a student s time and dedication and the coaches and team expect rowers and coxswains to make practices. The key to a successful crew is the unique and delicate blending of the eight rowers and a coxswain in the boat; inserting a new person can cause major disruptions. In many cases, if several people are missing, entire boats cannot practice, the coach s workout cannot be implemented, and practice time is not used effectively. Communications and Contacts JMCBO website ( and (jmhscrew@gmail.com) will serve as the primary mode of communication with the team and the crew families. We strongly urge parents, in addition to coxswains and rowers, to register on the website. We use the website to send communication registration on the site will include you on the distribution list. Additionally, registrants will have access to the members-only site which will provide you additional important information, such as team rosters (with contact information useful for carpooling), JMCBO documents (budget, minutes of meetings. etc, ), contact information for the board and coaches, and important information for regattas (for example, boat line-ups and logistics for the away regattas such as Stotesbury). If you have questions about the team or crew, our website, should be consulted. Contact information for all the members/groups below is included on the website: JMCBO Board Members Board Committee Volunteers Crew Council Team Captains Coaches While our coaches are the most knowledgeable regarding the team, their time during practice and during the season in general is extremely limited and should be devoted to coaching the rowers. Therefore, we request that coaches not be contacted directly, except when absolutely necessary or to notify them of an unexpected absence of your child from a practice or regatta. For most issues, your initial contact should be with a member of the Crew Council (see description of Crew Council above). Additionally, there is a Warhawk Crew Facebook group that crew families and friends are encouraged to join. SECTION 3 THE PROGRAM Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association James Madison Crew is a member of the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association, Incorporated (VASRA). The purpose of VASRA is to promote, encourage, and support rowing at secondary schools in Virginia; to provide for communication and coordination amongst its member and associate teams, the Occoquan and Georgetown Local Organizing Committees, the VASRA Crew Council, and the Coaches Association; and to sponsor and conduct scholastic rowing regattas in the spring. These VASRA-sponsored regattas culminate in the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championship Regatta, which then leads to the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Championships. The VASRA website is Crew Season Based on VASRA rules, the crew season officially begins in late February and runs through the end of May. Practice during the season is held six days per week (after school and on Saturdays). Dates will be posted on the calendar on the crew website. Winter and Off-Season Conditioning: Physical conditioning during the winter months is essential for an athlete to be able to deliver a strong performance on the water and keep up with boat mates once the water season begins. To provide an equal base level of fitness for team members, Madison Crew begins the off-season winter conditioning program in mid- November. The cost of winter conditioning is included in the program, and the program is limited to registered crew members. Attendance at the crew team s winter conditioning is highly recommended for rowers and coxswains, but is not a requirement. This flexibility allows athletes to compete in fall and winter sports or engage with other fitness conditioning programs. Crew s winter conditioning generally consists of aerobic and simulated rowing conditioning four to five days a week until water season begins in February. Weight training may be included in the conditioning, if facilities 5

6 are available. A completed Emergency Care Form and a completed sports physical exam are required before participation in winter conditioning will be allowed. Please check for training schedule. Water Practice: Water practices begin the first day of scheduled spring sports programs each year in late February and are held five times during the school week and on Saturdays. All practices are held on the Occoquan River at Sandy Run Regional Park in Fairfax County, located at Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) governs Sandy Run, which is also the site of most home regattas. The practice sessions are both on the water in shells and on land (i.e. running, circuits, working out on ergometers, etc). Coaches, team captains, or senior members of the team supervise the student-athletes when on land. However, only coaches supervise student-athletes on the water. For more information about NVRPA and to get directions to Sandy Run, please visit Attendance Policy In-Season Practice: Crew is a team sport whose success depends upon the cohesion of the rowers and coxswain in the boat. Therefore, every athlete is expected to attend every in-season practice, including those taking place over Spring Break, Saturdays or holiday breaks. 100% participation is expected with the exception of excused academic (including mandatory afterschool sessions such as Band & Orchestra rehearsals) or medical absences. Rowers and coxswains must tell coaches in advance if they are going to be missing practice. If the athlete is ill or running late, they should , call, or text message their coach as early in the day as possible to let them know they will not be at practice so that arrangements can be made to fill seats or delay the starting time of a workout until the athlete arrives. In case of an emergency, the coaches need to be contacted as soon as possible. Practice times cannot be adjusted to accommodate individual schedules. Students must be in school the entire day to be eligible to participate in any student activities scheduled on that day. Excused absences, such as those for dentist or doctor s appointments for which the student has a note, are an exception to this. Students, who stay at home or leave school early because they feel ill, even if they have a doctor s note, should not attend practice. Failure to attend practices, or a poor attitude during practice, will have a detrimental impact on the team and may affect the individual s seat placement and weekly participation. Athletes who miss practices during a specific week may lose water time the remainder of the week. Additionally, they should not expect to compete at a regatta during that week, but might participate is if the athlete is necessary to fill a boat that otherwise would not be able to compete. If an athlete is not participating in daily practices, he or she may be replaced on their boat by another athlete who is dedicated to the program and attends on an everyday basis Coaches are instructed to contact a member of the Crew Council if a rower has an inordinate number of absences or whose attitude is unsupportive. A Crew Council member will speak to the parents, and the rower may be asked to leave the team. Spring Break Practice: Spring is the crew racing season and it is common for regattas to be scheduled on both Saturdays of Spring Break. Water practices are held every day during Spring Break and are extremely important as a crew can make huge strides during this focused practice time. The practices will be longer in length and/or separate sessions will be utilized for different crews in order to maximize equipment and coaching resources. If you are on a Varsity crew, Spring Break practice may be crucial to you remaining in that boat. An athlete cannot afford to miss hours on the water and/or training and still expect to be on a Varsity boat. It is expected that all rowers will attend practice during Spring Break. Please speak with the Coach as far in advance as possible if you have a conflict. Freshman Water Time Policy The goal for the program is to have every freshman and novice rower get on the water a minimum of 3 times per week before the regatta season begins and 2 times per week after the racing season begins. In addition, a goal for Coaches is to have as many novice and freshman rowers participate in the weekly local regattas as rules will allow. Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions, there are some weeks when freshman and novice rowers will not be able to compete because not enough seats will be available. Coaches are instructed to share the disappointment of not being able to row in 6

7 regattas as equitably as possible among freshman and novice rowers. In return, freshman and novice rowers are expected to make an investment in the team. Rowers who are perceived as not making a commitment to the team may be asked to leave the team. Progression of Crews All Madison boats contain a coxswain (driver). Each boat has all-male or all-female rowers, but coxswains may cox a shell with rowers of the opposite sex. Pursuant to the rules of the Northern Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA), any program that enters a Second eight or four must also enter a First boat in that category. During the VASRA season, any of the following configurations of boats can be offered for competition: First Eight (8): This crew is the fastest and most prestigious crew in the program. Training for and making either the boys or girls First Eight requires dedication, intense training, and a significant level of commitment. Due to the VASRA progression rule, the crew must be selected before any other Eight. This crew will compete at all local regattas as well as the Stotesbury Cup and SRAA National Championship Regatta (if they qualify). The First Eight may also attend the US Rowing Youth National Championship if it finishes first at the Virginia Scholastic Racing Championships at the discretion of the coaches and the JMCBO. This boat is designated as a Varsity Crew. Second Eight (8): This boat consists of equally dedicated rowers as their First Eight counterparts. The Second Eight is usually considered a development squad for the First Eight and may only be entered if there is also a First Eight. In order for the Second Eight to qualify for the SRAA National Regatta, the team s First Eight must also qualify. This crew will compete at all local regattas as well as the Stotesbury Cup and SRAA National Championship (if they qualify). This boat is designated as a Varsity Crew. Junior Eight (8): The Junior or J/V boat consists of experienced rowers who are not Seniors in high school. The designation allows a team with younger boys and girls to compete at a high level against athletes their same age and experience level. The Junior Eight is considered out of progression meaning a team may race without entering a First Eight. Therefore a Junior Eight may also qualify for the SRAA National Championship without the First Eight also qualifying. This crew will compete at all local regattas as well as the Stotesbury Cup Regatta and the SRAA National Championship (if they qualify). This boat may be designated as a Varsity Crew. Lightweight Eight (8): The Lightweight Eight is considered out of progression meaning a team may race one without entering a First Eight. Therefore a Lightweight eight may also qualify for the SRAA National Championship without the First Eight also qualifying. If a lightweight crew is formed, it will compete at all local regattas as well as the Stotesbury Cup Regatta and the SRAA National Championship Regatta (if they qualify). This crew may be designated as a Varsity Crew. First Four (4), Second Four (4), and Lightweight Fours (4): Based on the number, participation, and competitiveness of rowers in any given season, deciding to compete in Fours is an option available to the coaches. Sometimes, circumstances outside anyone s control may dictate the use of Fours instead of Eights in order to be competitive, or in order to get as many rowers on the water as possible. These boats can be formulated to compete at local regattas and post-season regattas as scheduled. The First Four, Second Four, and Lightweight Four boats may be considered Varsity Crews. Third Four and Fourth Four boats are considered Junior Varsity. Freshman Eight (8) and Novice Eight (8) & Four (4): The main difference between Freshman and Novice Events has to do with the age of the rowers within the crew. The Freshman Eight category is limited to boats with ALL freshman boys or girls while Novice Eights / Fours are limited to rowers in their first year of competition regardless of their year in school. Freshman and Novice events are out of progression meaning a team may race one without a Varsity Eight being entered. Therefore a Freshman Eight may also qualify for the SRAA National Championship without the First Eight also qualifying. Freshman Eights can compete at all local regattas as well as the Stotesbury Cup and the SRAA National Championship Regatta (if they qualify). Novice Eights and Fours can compete at all local regattas but cannot race at the Stotesbury Cup or SRAA National Championship Regatta because the novice events are not offered. The Lightweight Rower The lightweight boats consist of a weight class crew (130 lbs. max for girls/155 lbs. max for boys). The lightweight designation allows smaller boys and girls to compete at a high level against athletes of similar size and stature. Training and time commitments for the Lightweight Eight are the same as for the other crews. The Coaches may use the James Madison training room to have an athlete s body composition tested at the beginning of the season. They will use this measurement and the athlete s natural body weight to determine if the rower can row in the lightweight class. Recently, approval to row as a lightweight has been overseen by JMHS trainers. VASRA has required guidelines for healthy, safe weight loss and/or weight maintenance for lightweight rowers. 7

8 Boat Selection The selection process is based on the following criteria: a. Commitment to the program (attendance) b. Fitness c. Technique d. Coaches Discretion The selection process is totally at the discretion of the coaching staff and is to be recognized as an ongoing, dynamic process. Ergometer testing will play a major factor in the selection process for fitness levels. Time on the water being observed and coached will be a major factor in determining technique. Commitment is based on the amount of time spent on the water and any land based training, as directed by the coaches. Coaches will also factor in the ability to maintain a positive attitude in tough situations, responsiveness to coaches and commitment to the team as demonstrated in part by continuing respect shown to all coaches, parent volunteer and chaperones, rowers and coxswains. The selection process is neither easy nor simple and crews may not be set until the final weeks of the season. This allows for the development of a new rower to occur slowly, but methodically, through the course of the season. We want everyone to have an opportunity to succeed and make crews go fast. Our focus as a staff and as a program will not be to win ribbons at early regattas, but to win medals in the latter championship regattas. Personnel changes in crews from week to week may be the norm in the first 6-8 weeks. By the first week in May, all crews should be set, barring injury, academic situations, attendance problems, or other conflicts. Any questions regarding this process should be directed to the Crew Council. Please do not engage coaches about seat assignments or the placement of your rower. Equipment James Madison s crew program has benefited from the dedication and commitment of previous student-athletes and parents who worked hard to get our program started. Currently, James Madison Crew owns boats or shells ( eights and quads). There are also oars and cox boxes assigned to each shell and/or crew and a number of ergs (rowing machines). All of which equals an equipment inventory in excess of $. The care and maintenance of these shells, oars, and cox boxes are critical if we want our crews to train and compete. We will have rowers utilizing this equipment to its maximum potential. It is imperative that we report any damage to the coaching staff or to the VP of Operations as soon as possible. This notice requirement also refers to ergs, launches, motors, etc. It is important to continue updating our inventory as the team grows. For this purpose, additional fundraising work takes place on a regular basis. To get an idea of the need for extensive, continuous fundraising, a new shell will cost approximately $45,000, new oars about $400 each, and new cox boxes about $600 each. Safety Safety of the rowers and coaching staff is of utmost importance at all times. When on the water, all shells are accompanied by a safety boat (launch) manned by a coach and containing life saving jackets and gear, such as blankets and a basic first aid kit. Safety boats remain within 100 yards of the shells at all times. Megaphones are used to communicate. All student-athletes must pass a swim test to demonstrate their ability to handle themselves in case of an accident. The coaches will hold demonstrations on safety and recovery at the start of each season. Boats do not go out when the Park Authority deems weather or water conditions unsafe. Boats immediately return to shore if thunder is heard. Transportation for On-water Practices Each year, JMCBO engages a private bus company to transport rowers between JMHS and Sandy Run for after school, onwater practices during the rowing season and a separate bus fee is assessed to those rowers for that purpose. Parents are required to serve as bus chaperones for the M-F on-water practices. All freshman, sophomore, and junior rowers are required to register and pay for bus transportation. Senior rowers are eligible for registering (and paying) for bus 8

9 transportation as space provides. Families and rowers are responsible for transportation to and from Saturday practices, Spring Break practices, and home regattas. It is also the Board s policy when the capacity of the bus transportation is reached, an opt-out policy will be implemented based on the number of over-capacity riders. The number of students given this option will vary by year and some years this option may not be offered. Ultimately, though, parents are responsible for their student s transportation, and are expected to ensure that their rower is at the practice site prior to the practice start time. If a student is unable to ride the bus, or misses the bus, the parent must drive the student, or make arrangements for the student to ride with another responsible adult to the practice site. Student-athletes will not be allowed to drive themselves to or from any practices at Sandy Run during the school week without obtaining Board approval, through submission of required authorization forms. Regattas Madison Crew competes in VASRA-sponsored regattas in the spring with local Maryland, DC, and Virginia teams from both public and private schools and also at regional and national levels at regattas such as the Stotesbury Cup in Philadelphia. Generally, Madison rows at Sandy Run Regional Park. Sandy Run is one of the finest rowing facilities on the East Coast. It has been the site of the Olympic canoe and kayak trials, several Scholastic Rowing Association of America Championship events, and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Regattas. It is also used for college and masters rowing and racing. Additional information on Sandy Run is available online at James Madison Crew generally participates in the following upper boat/varsity level regular-season and post-season regattas: 1. Polar Bear Regatta (Occoquan) 2. Walter Mess Regatta (Occoquan) 3. Smokey Jacobs Regatta (Occoquan) 4. Darrell Winslow Regatta (Occoquan) or St. Andrews (Delaware) 5. Charlie Butt Regatta (Potomac) or Al Urquia Regatta (Occoquan) 6. Ted Phoenix Regatta (lower boat State Finals) (Occoquan) 7. Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championship States (Occoquan) 8. Stotesbury Cup Regatta (Schuylkill River, PA) (selected boats) 9. SRAA National Championship Regatta Nationals for qualifying boats. 10. U.S Rowing Youth Nationals for qualifying boats at discretion of board, coaches and parents. For away regattas, the coaches will make decisions about what boats to row based on a number of factors, including safety our athletes and our equipment and consistent with rules. For example, at Stotesbury, competitors cannot row in more than one event and there is no "novice" race -- these factors limit our flexibility regarding entries. Only boats that qualify will go to Nationals. You can qualify for SRAA Nationals by winning the state championship in your division or by doing so well all season that our coaches can petition for your boat to be able to compete. Depending on the site, regattas can start as early as 8:00 a.m., but some crew members, especially coxswains and lightweights, may need to be there earlier than 6:00 a.m. in order to attend mandatory meetings and weigh-ins, and to prepare the boats for racing. It is EXTREMELY important to be on time and ready to row at the time determined by the Coach. Again, depending on the site and the number of participants, regattas may last until 3:00 or 4:00 pm, and the team is expected to stay at the site until racing has finished or they are dismissed by their Coach. Team members will be given permission to leave the boathouse area only when all post-regatta activities have been completed and boats have been cleaned and racked. 9

10 Racing attire: VASRA requires that all crew members wear matching uniforms (or parts of uniforms) from the waist up. In cold weather, this rule does not apply. Coxswains are only required to wear Madison colors showing. The standard racing uniform consist of a racing unisuit or uni, and if crew members chooses to wear it, the racing shirt, or JL. Depending on weather conditions, crews may also choose to wear pants. The cost of the uniform is not included in the dues, but is an additional charge. The Cheering Section: The JMCBO welcomes all crew parents and family members to cheer for the team in the Madison cheering section. The approximate race times of each Madison event are available on on the Friday before the regatta. Madison boat line-ups are generally available in the members-only section of Friday evening before the regatta. Additionally, the Madison Crew website provides many useful resources, such as Regatta Watcher s Guide, Gear Checklist for Rowers, and Coxswain s Guide, to name a few. Families are encouraged to stay for as much of the day as possible and to support all the Madison boats racing that day. At Sandy Run, the parking lots, the boathouse, and the racecourse are not in close proximity. Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring rain gear. The weather at the Occoquan is generally cooler and is known to change quickly. Many parents bring their own lawn chairs, seat cushions and/or blankets. Binoculars are also a good idea. No dogs or other pets are permitted at Sandy Run on regatta days. Concession stands are available at both the boathouse and spectator stands, as are port-o-potties. JMCBO Shuttle bus: Parking at Sandy Run costs approximately $15/car on regatta days (2015), and for big regattas, can fill up by 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. Therefore, Madison joined with several other area schools to offer round-trip shuttle bus service between Sandy Run and Silverbrook Elementary School, located several miles from Sandy Run. Included in the general JMCBO dues is a $20 fee/rower to cover this shuttle bus service, which runs at regular intervals on Sandy Run regatta days, enabling rowers and their families to park easily, and with no additional daily usage charge, at Silverbrook Elementary, located at 9350 Crosspointe Drive in Fairfax Station. Checklist for Rowers The equipment required for practice consists of running shoes, workout clothes, and filled water bottle. Depending on the weather, suggested clothing includes polypropylene or spandex pants and/or shorts, long underwear shirt, wool or fleece hat, long running tights, and a polar fleece jacket. Many rowers acquire sweats (tops and bottoms), a hat or visor and sunglasses for sunny days, and a "weather shirt" (crew jacket/spirit-wear optional). Weather in February and March can be very cold and layered clothing is highly recommended. The only required clothing that must be purchased is a racing unisuit, a racing shirt (JL) for the rowers, and a hat. Rowers need to come prepared every day. Appropriate clothing and footwear are essential, as it is often cold and windy on the river. The following checklist can also be found on the Madison website, 10

11 Each day for practice, as well as for regattas, rowers should have: Required: Water bottles at least 32 oz. (labeled) Warm layers of quick drying workout clothes Long sleeved Under Armor type shirt Long spandex pants Sweat pants Fleece jacket or sweatshirt Crew jacket or a similar rain jacket/windbreaker Appropriate running shoes A hat (50% of body heat is lost from a bare head) Suggested: Snack for before and after practice; (something with protein suggested) Medical tape, gauze, band aids (for the inevitable hand blisters that easily identify a rower!) Hand sanitizer Sunscreen Clips/ headbands to keep hair out of your face Extra ponytail holders Wool socks and extra socks for running, etc. Extra jacket/ sweatshirt Sunglasses/ baseball hat A small towel Change of clothes for the bus Lettering James Madison Crew is a club sport competing with varsity status. Varsity Letters are awarded according to standards established by the school, the Coaches, and the Board. Earning a Varsity Letter is a privilege and an honor; competing in a varsity boat does not automatically entitle the student athlete to a Letter. The Varsity Letter represents a commitment to the sport and to the team, is indicative of the athlete s proficiency in rowing, and will be awarded only after careful consideration by the coaching staff, using the criteria described below. Student athletes who meet the following quantifiable requirements may be awarded a Varsity Letter: Meet or exceed Madison s academic and attendance criteria; Participate in a minimum of 6 upper boat/varsity Level races; Have no more than two unexcused absences; Be on time, as determined by the Coaches, for all practices and regattas; and Complete dues and service hour requirements by the designated deadlines. In addition, the following qualities of the student athlete will also be considered during evaluation for a Varsity Letter: Attitude; Effort; Work ethic; Athletic ability; Responsiveness to coaching; Commitment to the team; Commitment to the sport; Positive role model for freshman/novice team members; Consistent participation in mandatory and non-mandatory activities, such as de-rigging for a regatta, Sandy Run work days, recruitment activities, etc.; 11

12 Courteousness and respect to fellow (and opposing) teammates, coaches, parents, and volunteers; and Coach s discretion (based upon exemplary team spirit and support, dedication to crew, and outstanding effort). The Coaches have the right to veto or waive requirements under unusual or exceptional circumstances. Student athletes who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the crew season will be given a separate Scholar-Athlete award and recognition at both the all-school Spring Sports Awards Night in June, as well as at the Crew End-of-Season Banquet. Any changes made to the above criteria must be announced to the General Membership prior to the date of the first scheduled regatta. SECTION 4 THE STUDENT ATHLETE S RESPONSIBILITIES The James Madison Crew program adheres to all JMHS athletic standards. Any inappropriate conduct of an individual rower or group of rowers will be dealt with at the Coaches discretion or by the Crew Council if so elevated by the Coaches. Any removal from the team for inappropriate conduct forfeits any rights to refunds. The student athlete must also complete and submit of all required forms, pass a swim test that consists of swimming 100 meters and treading water for 2 minutes, and adhere to all James Madison Crew Booster Organization financial and service responsibilities as stated in this Handbook. Rower/Coxswain Responsibilities / Contract To assure that all rowers understand their obligations to themselves, their teammates, and their school and community, each member of James Madison Crew and a parent is required to sign a Rower Contract. The Contract summarizes expectations, rules and responsibilities, and must be signed by the student-athletic and parent prior to rowing in the spring season. The Rower Contract is as follows: Team Expectations and Rules To Rowers and Parents: This is a guide that is specific to the James Madison Crew rowing program. Please go through this guide and be fully aware of what is contained within. Attendance, Commitment, and Attitude are all key values of a successful crew organization, and foundational of James Madison Crew. Please sign at the bottom to indicate that you have read and accept the terms of the team expectations and rules. Expectations of Student Athletes 1. Present yourself as a mature, courteous, and considerate young adult No cursing, disparaging remarks 2. Respect teammates, parent volunteers, bus drivers, VASRA officials, and most importantly coaches a. Remember coaches have the full responsibility in the participants boat selection and rowing matters 3. Arrive on time and actively participate in all aspects of training, water practice, regattas, and other team activities as defined by program guidelines: a. Practice Attendance it is expected that all student-athletes will attend all practices as their development will have a direct impact not only on their personal success, but the success of their boat line-up and team b. Spring Break training it is vitally important that everyone attend if you don t attend, there is NO guarantee that you will return to the same seat/boat 4. Obey all VASRA officials, bus drivers, and parents a. When attending practice, regattas, and traveling to and from Stotesbury and Nationals (and during hotel stay) 5. Take prudent measures to safeguard your person and personal property, team equipment and resources 6. Notify your coach, in writing, before practice if you will miss practice for any reason a. This includes for illness, doctor s appointments, tutors 7. Comply with the Virginia High School League and Crew program eligibility rules, including maintaining passing grades to participate 12

13 8. Comply with the James Madison High School Extracurricular Participation Policy. 9. Adhere to the Fairfax Country Public School policy regarding the use and/or possession of alcohol, tobacco, & drugs. JMCBO HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE APPROACH TO SUBSTANCE USE AND/OR ABUSE BY ITS ATHLETES. Expectations of Captains 1. Comply with all the expectations of student athletes, stated in Expectations of Student Athletes 2. Be an officer of character inside and outside of the classroom 3. Be a positive and approachable role model that is available to assist novice and returning rowers, as well as help their parents navigate through the program 4. Attend all mandatory and voluntary winter and spring practices, regattas, meetings, workdays, team spirit events, etc., realizing that your presence and leadership sets the tone for the rest of the team 5. Assist in making sure practices start on time and run smoothly, and help maintain order on the team, especially when the Coaches are not available to do so, such as on the bus to and from the river 6. As a Captain, there are times to be assertive, and times to be an inspiration. You must find that balance. Expectations of Parents 1. Treat all student athletes, opponents, coaches, VASRA officials, parents, and volunteers with respect 2 It is expected that all student-athletes will attend all practices, especially water practice. Their attendance will have a direct impact not only on their personal success, but the success of their boat line-up and team 3 Support the coaching staff and JMCBO by ensuring that your child complies with the Expectations of Student Athletes stated above 4 Provide support for your child by actively participating in the JMCBO committees/volunteer program, fundraising activities, and regatta volunteer opportunities a. If you do not volunteer, you will receive an assignment 5 Respect the coaches decision on boat selection and rowing matters a. Selection is based on a goal of the fastest lineups possible b. Direct all questions through the Crew Council 6 Pay all dues on time! 7 Enjoy your child s growth and development through their commitment, dedication, and teamwork! SECTION 5 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Our current membership system was designed to be understandable and equitable. It consists of the following components: Completion and submission of required forms Payment of dues and other fees Fulfillment of fundraising commitments Fulfillment of volunteer commitments Required Forms Required Forms may be obtained by downloading them from the Madison Crew website at These forms include, but may not be limited to: JMCBO Intent to Participate Form JMCBO Membership Form JMCBO Universal Release of Liability Form JMCBO Participation Contract JMCBO Transportation Liability Waiver JMCBO/US Rowing Waiver Form (completed online) JMCBO Swim Test Form (1st year only) FCPS Driver License and Insurance Information Form FCPS Emergency Care Form (submit in duplicate) VHSL Participation Form & Physical Form JMHS Extracurricular Participation Policy & Form On-line submission of Certificate of completion" for the Parent Concussion Education program 13

14 On-line submission of Certificate of completion" for the Student Concussion Education program Dues and Fundraising Responsibilities Each year, the JMCBO Board sets dues, fundraising goals and payment schedules based on cash requirements of the organization, expected size of the team, and other relevant factors such as projected capital costs. Fundraising activities have an important financial impact to support rowing at James Madison High School, including paying for home regatta fees, costs of equipment, and scholarship funding, benefiting the entire community of MadCrew rowers. Fundraising necessitates the commitment, dedication, and active participation of all crew families. The current year s JMCBO budget is available for review by request of the JMCBO Treasurer, and is usually reviewed monthly at the meeting of the JMCBO Board of Directors. Membership dues, fundraising goals and the schedule of payments can be found on the website. Generally, the club offers a modest discount on dues to second and subsequent rowers from the same family and for coxswains. Additionally, rowers will need to purchase a uniform this cost is not covered under the dues. JMCBO participates in outof-town events such as the Stotesbury Cup in Philadelphia and the National Championships. Participating rowers families are assessed for the cost of transportation, lodging, food, and any logistical items involved such as boat and equipment transportation. Fundraising: Based on current prices, a new eight person Vespoli shell can cost more than $36,000; Concept 2 oars more than $400 each; an outboard motor $2,500; a safety boat $1,200; and an ERG (ergometer) $1,000. These costs necessitate that the JMCBO sponsor a number of major fundraising activities each year. Fundraising efforts will help pay for these items as well as other costs supporting Mad Crew rowing. Parent involvement is key to our fundraising efforts. The growth and success of the JMCBO depends on the attainment of our fundraising goals. Fundraising supplements dues and allows us to cover our yearly operating expenses, as well as to make critical capital investments in new equipment, and provided needed scholarship funding for rowers with demonstrated financial need. The JMCBO works hard to coordinate a variety of activities throughout the year to offer rower families ample opportunity to meet and exceed their fundraising goals. Fundraising Efforts Each season, there are several fundraisers in which JMCBO families participate. These can include raffles, sales of gift cards or scrip, and mulch sales. Details of fundraisers can be found on the website. Families are encouraged to actively participate in these fundraisers to meet their fundraising goals or to make direct family donations. Families will be recognized for their direct contributions to MadCrew. For example, $50.00 donated in an athlete s name earns $50.00 towards that family s fundraising goal; $ of raffle tickets sold earns $ toward that family s goal. $2/bag for all mulch sales is credited toward a family s goal. Families not meeting fundraising goals by the deadlines specified will be asked to donate directly to the club. Mulch delivery day is an all-hands day. Families are asked to provide two persons (typically a parent and rower) to participate in the mulch delivery effort. Dues and Fundraising Deadlines Deadlines for both dues and fundraising goals correspond to operating expenditures and should be met to attend winter training, water training, first regatta and/or the Virginia State Championships. The JMCBO Board will consider requested scholarship requests on a case-by case basis. Refund Policy The first dues payment is non-refundable. The second and third dues payments are refundable if a request for a refund is made by to the JMCBO Board President or Treasurer no later than 30 days after the due date of that payment. After 30 days, the second or third incremental dues payment is non-refundable. Families who pay their dues in full at the beginning of the payment schedule are eligible for partial refunds based upon the date of their request for a refund and the payment schedule. 14

15 Money raised by a particular family or donated to the team by a particular family cannot be used to directly benefit the particular family. All monies raised from fundraising activities and from direct donations benefit the entire membership. Boat Naming Policy Naming a boat is considered crucial to the spirit of a boat and those who row. It is an important task, as the name should be inspirational and say something about our school, sport, team, club and athletes. For example, a boat was named for Glenn Burger, with the hope that those who row in that boat be imbued with his spirit of generosity, his selflessness, and his dedication to the team. The Accipiter Bellum is Latin for War Hawk, a clear reference back to the school and evocative of courage, speed, power and vision, all qualities we see in our athletes! The JMCBO s boat name should: incorporate or reference JMHS School name and/or Warhawk mascot like Accipiter Bellum; or be a name that evokes positive qualities of our athletes or features of competing/winning in sport, such as Winspiration. recognize an individual or individuals who made a significant, sustained contribution to the James Madison High School crew team; played a noteworthy role in the team s history; and/or distinguished themselves and the James Madison High School crew team either on the water or within the community (as we have done with Glenn Burger) meets any rules to which the organization may be required to adhere It is the policy of the JMCBO to involve the athletes in the naming of the boats as they are the individuals most invested in the spirit and associations of their craft s name. When a new boat is purchased, it is designated for initial use with either the girl s or boy s teams. Generally, new boats are assigned to alternating sides. Upon the club s receipt of the boat, the current year s captains of the gender receiving the boat lead and manage the naming process. First, those captains solicit suggestions for names from all student athletes on the team. Through discussions, the captains narrow down the list to approximately 3-4 and bring it to the head coach for an initial assessment for appropriateness based on the above guidelines. After the names have been approved, they are submitted to the gender-specific student-athletes for voting. The votes are counted by the captains, and the top name choice is identified. The Head Coach approves the final choice and brings it, and a list of 2-3 alternate names ranked by popularity, to the board. The board casts the final vote of approval to ensure that the proposed name is appropriate based on the above guidelines. If, for any reason, the board finds the name unacceptable, it votes on the next name on the list. This continues until the board either approves a name on the list or all names are rejected. In that rare case, the process would start over again. The JMCBO Board must approve the submitted name by a 2/3 vote of those present before it can be placed on a shell. 15

16 It is also the policy of the JMCBO to allow benefactors who contribute a minimum amount established by the Board in any single annum to the purchase of a new or used shell to receive naming rights for that shell. The Board may consider establishing the minimum contribution amount equivalent to a percentage of the value of the boat to be named. The JMCBO Board must approve, by 2/3 vote of those present, any name suggested by a benefactor to ensure that it is appropriate and meets any rules to which the organization may be required to adhere, before it can be placed on a shell. Information Available on the Web JMCBO maintains an extensive website at Please visit the site to find additional information on the following: Directions to the Sandy Run Rowing Facility What to Expect at Your First Regatta as a Spectator What to Bring to a Regatta List and Contact Information for the current Board of Directors and athletes List of Crew-related terms The Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association also maintains an extensive website at where you may find additional information on the following: Regatta Schedules and Results Roles of the Different Volunteer Positions at a Regatta Rowing Rules and Regulations Traditional Calendar These are traditional crew events and approximate time frames for same. Specific dates will be listed on the team website ( as they become available. July * Season officially begins * Board begins planning process & monthly Board meetings August * Recruiting of Freshman & Novice Rowers begins at JMHS Fall Kick-Off September * USRowing Honor Roll applications due by seniors * Area Novice & Intermediate Fall Rowing Programs * Informational meetings for Prospective Rowers pick up January * Winter Conditioning continues * Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprint Contest * Mulch sales begin February * Winter Conditioning continues * Required Safety Meeting for all rowers/parents * Mandatory boathouse clean up/setup day at Sandy Run * Judge-Referee training * FIRST DAY ON THE WATER March * Launch Driver Orientation * Polar Bear Regatta for experienced rowers * MULCH SALE DELIVERY 16

17 registrations packets, ask questions, etc. October * Fundraising Event: Fall Raffle distributed * Informational meetings for New & Returning Rowers pick up registrations packets, ask questions, etc. November * Winter Conditioning begins after school * Fundraising Events * First payment due with Intent to Row Form * VASRA training programs December * Winter Conditioning continues April * Regattas every Saturday * Spring Break Practice May * Regattas several Saturdays * Virginia State Championships * Stotesbury Regatta, Philadelphia * SRAA National Regatta (location TBD) June * Awards Banquet * Election of new JMCBO Board * Mandatory boathouse clean up day at Sandy Run 17